Pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly including waste diverter

ABSTRACT

A pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ( 10 ) for disposing of one or more of fluid pharmaceutical waste and solid pharmaceutical waste includes a first waste receiver ( 614 ) and a receiver retainer ( 16 ). The first waste receiver ( 614 ) includes a first receiver body ( 621 ) having a first body access ( 621 BA). Additionally, the pharmaceutical waste moves in a first direction ( 695 C) toward the first body access ( 621 BA) through which the pharmaceutical waste is directly received by the first receiver body ( 621 ). The receiver retainer ( 16 ) substantially encloses the first waste receiver ( 614 ). Further, the first waste receiver ( 614 ) is removable from the receiver retainer ( 16 ). Moreover, one of the first waste receiver ( 614 ) and the receiver retainer ( 16 ) includes a first waste guide ( 667 A) that guides the pharmaceutical waste in a second direction ( 695 A) away from the first body access ( 621 BA) and in the first direction ( 695 C) toward the first body access ( 621 BA). Additionally, the first waste guide ( 667 A) inhibits removal of the pharmaceutical waste from the first receiver body ( 621 ).

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part application and claimsthe benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 on co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/768,044, filed on Apr. 27, 2010. To the extent permitted,the contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/768,044 areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The disposal of pharmaceutical waste has long been a concern of those inthe medical care industry. Pharmaceutical waste can include both liquidsand solids, such as expired medicines, partially filled vials,compounded IV's, broken or spilled materials, undispensed compoundedproducts, discontinued indated items, unused unit dosed items, unusedIV's, patients' personal medications, and certain hazardous wastematerials, to name a few. Further, pharmaceutical waste can be “raw”,such that the waste does not include any sort of container or packaging,or the waste can be contained in a container such as a bottle, vial,bag, dispenser, syringe, or any other type of packaging. By way ofexample and not of limitation, raw waste can include various liquidssuch as the fluid from a syringe, bag or bottle, or solids such aspills, capsules, powders, patches, etc. Ensuring that such waste doesnot wind up in the hands of unauthorized personnel, migrate to ourwaterways or bodies of water, or that illegal diversion does not occur,has been of primary importance not only in the pharmaceutical/medicalindustry, but in the environmental field as well. Currently, theResource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) provides strict mandates forwaste disposal and/or management. In fact, failure to comply with theseRCRA regulations can result in the imposition of sizable monetary fines.

Hazardous waste, which includes chemicals or formulations deemed to beso detrimental to the environment that they must be segregated forspecial waste management, cannot legally be sewered or landfilled.Importantly, a number of relatively common drug entities andpharmaceutical formulations meet the definition of hazardous waste. Asnon-exclusive examples, drugs such as epinephrine, nitroglycerin,warfarin, nicotine and various chemotherapy agents fall into thishazardous waste category. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)defines characteristics of hazardous waste, including ignitability,toxicity, corrosivity and reactivity. Under conventional disposalmethods, the acceptable means by which pharmaceutical waste may bedisposed and treated are dependent upon the specific type of waste.

Historically, pharmaceutical waste has been disposed of by a variety ofmeans including disposal in waste receptacles, sharps containers,sewering or incineration, to name a few. However, hospital incineratorsare becoming much less preferred, and shipment of the waste to outsidewaste disposal firms may be required. Unfortunately, a substantialamount of solid or liquid pharmaceutical waste in a hospital setting iswrongfully deposited into biohazardous sharps containers, which aredesigned for receiving used/contaminated syringes and/or hypodermicneedles. Alternatively, pharmaceutical waste is simply thrown in thetrash or dumped down a drain, rather than utilizing a dedicatedpharmaceutical waste system.

Attempts to address these issues have not been altogether satisfactory.For example, some relatively expensive waste receiver systems requirethat the waste drug remain in its original bar-coded container, whichmay be impractical in certain situations, such as raw waste.Additionally, utilizing dozens or even hundreds of these types of wastedisposal systems in a hospital can be cost-prohibitive. Further, thesize of these types of waste disposal systems may make providing such asystem at each point of use around a health care facility unfeasible.Moreover, such systems can be relatively heavy and difficult to move,and can take up a substantial amount of valuable floor space in ahospital, for example.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward a pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly for disposing of one or more of fluid pharmaceutical waste andsolid pharmaceutical waste. In various embodiments, the pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly includes a first waste receiver and a receiverretainer. The first waste receiver includes a first receiver body havinga first body access. Additionally, the pharmaceutical waste moves in afirst direction toward the first body access through which thepharmaceutical waste is directly received by the first receiver body.The receiver retainer substantially encloses the first waste receiver.Further, the first waste receiver is removable from the receiverretainer. Moreover, one of the first waste receiver and the receiverretainer includes a first waste guide that guides the pharmaceuticalwaste in a second direction away from the first body access and in thefirst direction toward the first body access.

In one embodiment, the first waste guide includes a spiral funnel thatguides the pharmaceutical waste in the second direction away from thefirst body access prior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the firstdirection toward the first body access. Alternatively, in oneembodiment, the first waste guide includes a series of diverters thatguides the pharmaceutical waste in the second direction away from thefirst body access prior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the firstdirection toward the first body access.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the first waste guide can guidethe pharmaceutical waste in a third direction away from the first bodyaccess prior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the first directiontoward the first body access. The third direction is different than thesecond direction. Further, in one such embodiment, the first waste guidecan guide the pharmaceutical waste in a fourth direction away from thefirst body access prior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the firstdirection toward the first body access. The fourth direction isdifferent than the second direction and the third direction.

In one embodiment, the first waste receiver is a solid waste receiverincluding a solid receiver body that receives the solid pharmaceuticalwaste. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first waste receiver is afluid waste receiver including a fluid receiver body that receives thefluid pharmaceutical waste.

Further, in one embodiment, the pharmaceutical waste disposal assemblycan further comprise a second waste guide that guides the pharmaceuticalwaste in a third direction away from the first body access and a fourthdirection toward the first body access. In such embodiment, the firstwaste receiver includes the first waste guide and the receiver retainerincludes the second waste guide.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly can further comprise a second waste receiver including a secondreceiver body having a second body access. In such embodiments, thepharmaceutical waste moves in a third direction toward the second bodyaccess through which the pharmaceutical waste is directly received bythe second receiver body. Further, the receiver retainer substantiallyencloses the second waste receiver. Moreover, one of the second wastereceiver and the receiver retainer includes a second waste guide thatguides the pharmaceutical waste in a fourth direction away from thesecond body access and in the third direction toward the second bodyaccess.

Further, in one embodiment, the first waste receiver is a solid wastereceiver including a solid receiver body that receives the solidpharmaceutical waste. In such embodiment, the second waste receiver is afluid waste receiver including a fluid receiver body that receives thefluid pharmaceutical waste. Moreover, the second waste receiver can beremovable from the receiver retainer.

Still further, in one embodiment, the first waste guide includes a guideflap near the first body access. The guide flap moves between an openposition and a closed position. In such embodiment, when the first wastereceiver is moved to an inverted position, the guide flap moves to theclosed position so that the pharmaceutical waste is inhibited fromexiting the first receiver body.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the first waste guide inhibitsremoval of the pharmaceutical waste from the first receiver body.

Yet further, the present invention is directed toward a method fordisposing of one or more of fluid pharmaceutical waste and solidpharmaceutical waste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly having features of the present invention,illustrated in an open position, including a fluid waste receiver, asolid waste receiver and a receiver retainer;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly shown in FIG. 1A, illustrated in a closed position;

FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fluid wastereceiver having features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the fluid waste receiver illustratedin FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluid wastereceiver taken on line 4A-4A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid waste receiver taken online 4B-4B in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment ofthe fluid waste receiver;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodimentof the fluid waste receiver;

FIGS. 4E-4J are various cross-sectional views of non-exclusivealternative embodiments of a portion of the fluid waste receiver;

FIG. 4K is a side view of another embodiment of a portion of the fluidwaste receiver;

FIG. 5A is a partial cutaway view of another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a partial cutaway view of yet another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the solid wastereceiver having features of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the solid waste receiver illustrated inFIG. 6;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the solid wastereceiver taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8B is an alternative cross-sectional view of a portion of the solidwaste receiver taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of yet another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the receiverretainer;

FIG. 11A is a simplified top view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly, including the receiver retainer shown in FIG. 10, illustratedin the closed position;

FIG. 11B is a simplified top view of a portion of one embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly illustrated in FIG. 10,illustrated in the open position;

FIG. 12 is a simplified top view of another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly including the receiver retainer,illustrated in the closed position;

FIG. 13 is a simplified top view of one embodiment of a portion of thereceiver retainer, illustrated in the open position;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of another embodiment of the receiverretainer;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of the receiverretainer, with various internal components illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17A is a front view of one embodiment of the pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly including a mounting apparatus, and a simplifiedrepresentation of the receiver retainer (illustrated in phantom) engagedwith the mounting apparatus;

FIG. 17B is a top view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG.17A;

FIG. 17C is a side elevation of the mounting apparatus illustrated inFIG. 17A, and one simplified embodiment of the receiver retainer(illustrated in phantom) engaged with the mounting apparatus; and

FIG. 17D is a detailed side view of a portion of the mounting apparatusengaged with a portion of the receiver retainer.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly 10 (also sometimes referred to herein as a“disposal assembly”), shown in an open position. In one embodiment, thedisposal assembly 10 provides a means for disposing of fluid and/orsolid pharmaceutical and/or medical waste (generically referred toherein as “waste”) which can ultimately be incinerated or otherwisetreated and/or permanently disposed of. The design of the disposalassembly 10 can vary depending upon the specific application and/orlocation of the disposal assembly 10. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A, the disposal assembly 10 includes a fluid waste receiver 12, asolid waste receiver 14 and a receiver retainer 16.

In this embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 12 can receive waste in aliquid and/or a gaseous phase of matter. The design of the fluid wastereceiver 12, including the size, volume, shape and specific materialsthat form the fluid waste receiver 12, can vary depending upon thedesign requirements of the disposal assembly 10. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A, the fluid waste receiver 12 includes a fluidreceiver cap 18 and a fluid receiver body 19 (also sometimes referred toherein as “receiver body”). The fluid receiver cap 18 covers a fluidreceiver opening (not illustrated in FIG. 1A) which provides access intoan interior of the fluid waste receiver 12. In one embodiment, the fluidreceiver cap 18 can be a tamper-resistant, locking cap that ispositioned on the fluid waste receiver 12 once the fluid waste receiver12 has reached a predetermined capacity or weight of fluid waste, hasbeen in use for a predetermined duration of time, or is otherwisedetermined to be no longer suitable for receiving fluid waste. Forexample, the fluid receiver cap 18 can include a one-way ratchet ringthat interlocks with the fluid receiver body 19.

The fluid receiver body 19 is configured to receive fluid waste that isdeposited into the fluid waste receiver 12. The fluid receiver body 19can be formed from any suitably durable materials. In one embodiment,the fluid receiver body 19 can be formed from a durable injection-moldedplastic material. Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 19 can beformed from fiberglass, glass, ceramic, various metals, a compositematerial, or a combination thereof, as non-exclusive examples. In oneembodiment, the material that forms the fluid receiver body 19 can beclear or otherwise see-through to allow a user to observe the level ofwaste within the fluid waste receiver 12. Alternatively, the materialthat forms the fluid receiver body 19 can be opaque or otherwisenon-see-through.

In certain embodiments, the fluid receiver body 19 includes a fluid bodyaccess 219BA (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4A) through which the fluidpharmaceutical waste is directly received by the fluid receiver body 19.

In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 12 can have a capacity ofapproximately 2.0 liters. Alternatively, the fluid waste receiver 12 canhave a capacity of greater than or less than 2.0 liters. It isrecognized that the capacity of the fluid waste receiver 12 can becommensurate with the purpose and/or location of the disposal assembly10. For example, the disposal assembly 10 that is used inside of apatient's room can have a fluid waste receiver 12 with a relativelysmall capacity. Conversely, the disposal assembly 10 that is used in apharmacy may have a fluid waste receiver 12 with a relatively largecapacity.

The solid waste receiver 14 receives waste in a solid phase of matter.The design of the solid waste receiver 14, including the size, volume,shape and specific materials that form the solid waste receiver 14, canvary depending upon the design requirements of the disposal assembly 10.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the solid waste receiver 14includes a solid receiver cap 20 that can be substantially similar tothe fluid receiver cap 18 previously described.

In one embodiment, the solid receiver cap 20 can be a tamper-resistant,locking cap that is positioned on the solid waste receiver 14 once thesolid waste receiver 14 has reached a predetermined capacity or weightof solid waste, has been in use for a predetermined duration of time, oris otherwise determined to be no longer suitable for receiving solidwaste.

In one embodiment, the solid waste receiver 14 can have a capacity ofapproximately 1.0 liter. Alternatively, the solid waste receiver 14 canhave a capacity of greater than or less than 1.0 liter. Somewhat similarto the fluid waste receiver 12, it is recognized that the capacity ofthe solid waste receiver 14 can be commensurate with the purpose and/orlocation of the disposal assembly 10. For example, the disposal assembly10 that is used inside of a patient's room can have a solid wastereceiver 14 with a relatively small capacity. Conversely, the disposalassembly 10 that is used in a pharmacy may have a solid waste receiver14 with a relatively large capacity.

The solid waste receiver 14 includes a solid receiver body 21 thatcontains the solid waste. The solid receiver body 21 can be formed fromany suitably durable materials. In one embodiment, the solid receiverbody 21 can be formed from a durable plastic material. Alternatively,the solid receiver body 21 can be formed from glass, ceramic, variousmetals, or a composite material, as non-exclusive examples. In oneembodiment, the material that forms the solid receiver body 21 can beclear or otherwise see-through to allow a user to observe the level ofwaste within the solid waste receiver 14. Alternatively, the materialthat forms the solid receiver body 21 can be opaque or otherwisenon-see-through.

In certain embodiments, the solid receiver body 21 includes a solid bodyaccess 621BA (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 8A) through which the fluidpharmaceutical waste is directly received by the solid receiver body 21.

In one embodiment, the solid waste receiver 14 is a separate structurefrom the fluid waste receiver 12. In an alternative embodiment, thesolid waste receiver 14 and the fluid waste receiver 12 can beintegrated and formed as a unitary structure.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the receiver retainer 16retains the fluid waste receiver 12 and the solid waste receiver 14. Inan alternative embodiment (not shown), the receiver retainer 16 canretain either the fluid waste receiver 12 or the solid waste receiver14. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the receiver retainerincludes a retainer housing 22 including one or more retainer side walls24, a retainer base 26 and a retainer lid 28. In one embodiment, theretainer housing 22 includes four retainer side walls 24, although it isrecognized that the retainer housing 22 can include any suitable numberof retainer side walls 24. Further, although the retainer housing 22illustrated in FIG. 1A has a rectangular configuration, it is understoodthat the retainer housing 22 can have another suitable configuration,such as cylindrical, triangular, pyramidal, rhomboidal or any othersuitable three-dimensional polygonal configuration.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, one or more of the retainerside walls 24 can include one or more viewing windows 30 to allow a userto view a fluid waste level 33F and/or a solid waste level 33S in thecorresponding waste receiver 12, 14. This design provides an alternativeor backup means for determining whether the particular waste receiver12, 14 needs to be removed and replaced based on the amount of waste inthe waste receiver 12, 14.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the retainer base 26 caninclude various indicator devices to inform the user of certain usefulinformation. For example, in one embodiment, the retainer base 26 caninclude a charged battery indicator 32 and/or a low battery indicator34. These indicators 32, 34 can be in the form of lights, audibleindicators, digital readouts, gauges, or any other suitable type ofindicator. These indicators 32, 34 automatically activate depending uponthe charge status of a electrochemical cell structure 68 e.g., battery(illustrated in FIG. 1C).

The retainer base 26 may also include one or more fluid waste receiverindicators 36 (only one fluid receiver indicator 36 is illustrated inFIG. 1A) and/or one or more solid waste receiver indicators 38 (only onesolid receiver indicator 38 is illustrated in FIG. 1A). The purpose forand number of the waste receiver indicators 36, 38 can vary. Forexample, the waste receiver indicators 36, 38 can alert the user that apredetermined capacity and/or weight of one or both of the wastereceivers 12, 14 has been reached or exceeded. Alternatively, or inaddition, the indicators 36, 38 can alert the user that a predetermineddate and/or time has arrived, which can signal a requirement orrecommendation for immediate or imminent removal and/or replacement ofone or both of the waste receivers 12, 14. The indicators 36, 38 can bein the form of one or more lights, audible alerts, digital readouts,gauges, or any other suitable type of indicator for providing a userwith certain useful information pertaining to one or more of the wastereceivers 12, 14 and/or their contents. Additionally, although twoindicators 36, 38 are illustrated in FIG. 1A, additional waste receiverindicators can be included.

As one non-exclusive example, in the event that the maximum time thefluid waste receiver 12 can be utilized is 90 days, one of theindicators 36, 38 can be activated a predetermined number of days beforeexpiration of the 90 day period, i.e. 15 days prior, in order to providesufficient time for the fluid waste receiver 12 to be removed, cappedand shipped to the appropriate location for incineration or otherpermanent disposal. It is recognized that this example is provided forease of understanding only, and is not intended to limit in any mannerthe time frames pertaining to usage of the indicators 36, 38. Forinstance, the maximum time can be greater or less than 90 days.Furthermore, activation of one of the indicators 36, 38 can occurgreater than or less than 15 days prior to such expiration.

In certain embodiments, the disposal assembly 10 can include acontroller 31 (illustrated, in FIG. 1C) that can be retained in theretainer base 26. The controller 31 controls and or monitors variousfunctions of the disposal assembly 10, including the activation of theindicators 32, 34 and/or the indicators 36, 38, as non-exclusiveexamples. In various non-exclusive embodiments, the controller 31 caninclude one or more types of electronics, printed circuit boards,integrated circuits, time-keeping devices and weight detection and/ormonitoring devices, as described in greater detail herein. In addition,or in the alternative, the controller 31 can include one or more powersupplies, such as electrochemical cell structures (not illustrated inFIG. 1A) that may be useful in providing power to the disposal assembly10.

In one embodiment, the retainer lid 28 is movably secured to one of theretainer side walls 24, and can protect the contents of the retainerhousing 22. Further, the retainer lid 28 selectively inhibits tamperingor removal of the contents of the retainer housing 22. The retainer lid28 can selectively be moved from the open position as illustrated inFIG. 1A to a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The receiverretainer 16 can include a locking mechanism 1456 (illustrated in FIG.14, for example) that allows the retainer lid 28 to be locked in placein the closed position. The retainer lid 28 can be hinged to one of theretainer side walls 24 with one or more hinges 40 (three hinges 40 areillustrated in FIG. 1A). Alternatively, other suitable structures knownto those skilled in the art can movably secure the retainer lid 28 toone of the retainer side walls 24. Still alternatively, the retainer lid28 can be completely removable from the retainer housing 22 such thatthe retainer lid 28 is not permanently secured to one of the retainerside walls 24.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the retainer lid 28 includesan inner surface 39 and an opposing outer surface 41. The inner surface39 is only visible when the receiver retainer 16 is in the openposition, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the retainerlid 28 includes a lid top 43 and one or more lid apertures (two lidapertures 42A, 42B, are illustrated in FIG. 1A). The lid apertures 42A,42B, allow fluid waste and/or solid waste to be deposited into one ofthe waste receivers 12, 14, from outside of the disposal assembly 10. Inthis embodiment, the lid apertures 42A, 42B, are positioned in, andextend through, the lid top 43. Alternatively, the lid apertures 42A,42B, can be positioned on another surface of the retainer lid 28.

In one embodiment, one or more of the lid apertures 42A, 42B, can eachinclude a waste guide 44A, 44B that assists in directing the specificphase of waste (solid, liquid or gas) to the appropriate waste receiver12, 14. In non-exclusive embodiments, the waste guide 44A, 44B, caninclude a standard funnel-type device, a spiral funnel, or a series ofdiverters that guide the waste to the appropriate waste receiver 12, 14.The waste guides 44A, 44B, can further inhibit or prevent wrongful,illegal or unwanted extraction of waste from inside the receiverretainer 16 and/or the waste receivers 12, 14 by inhibiting or impedinghands or other objects from entering the interior of the retainerhousing 22 and/or the waste receivers 12, 14 when the receiver retainer16 is in the closed position.

The retainer housing 22 can also include one or more dividers 46 thatcompartmentalize the interior of the receiver retainer 16 for holdingthe waste receivers 12, 14, the receiver caps 18, 20, or otherstructures within the retainer housing 22. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1A, the dividers 46 can divide the interior of the receiverretainer 16 into compartments including a fluid cap compartment 48 and asolid cap compartment 50. The receiver caps 18, 20 can be placed intotheir respective compartments 48, 50, in an untethered manner, or thereceiver caps 18, 20, can be tethered to their respective waste receiver12, 14, so that the receiver caps 18, 20, are not lost or otherwiseinadvertently (and permanently) separated from their respective wastereceivers 12, 14. Once one of the waste receivers 12, 14, is deemed tohave expired, has reached a predetermined fill level, or otherwise needsto be removed from the receiver retainer 16, the corresponding receivercap 18, 20, is positioned on the waste receiver 12, 14, for transportand/or further processing, such as by incineration as one non-exclusiveexample.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the receiver retainer 16 alsoincludes one or more waste receiver liners 52, 54. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver 12 can be positioned within a fluid wastereceiver liner 52, and the solid waste receiver 14 can be positionedwithin a solid waste receiver liner 54. The waste receiver liners 52, 54inhibit waste that may have been inadvertently spilled, or overflowwaste, from coming into contact with the retainer housing 22, thecontroller 31, or other structures that may potentially be damaged bydirect contact with the waste. One or more of the waste receiver liners52, 54 can be fixedly in position within the retainer housing 22.Alternatively, one or more of the waste receiver liners 52, 54 can beremovable from the retainer housing 22. Still alternatively, the wastereceiver liners 52, 54 can be omitted from the receiver retainer 16.

It is important to note that in FIG. 1A and many of the other Figures,various structures are not necessary shown to scale so that allstructures may be adequately represented and visualized.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A, illustrated in a closed position. Inthis embodiment, the outer surface 41 of the retainer lid 28 is visible,but the inner surface 39 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) is within the interiorof the receiver retainer 16. Further, in this embodiment, the lidapertures 42A, 42B, and the waste guides 44A, 44B, are likewise visibleand accessible from the exterior of the receiver retainer 16. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the receiver retainer 16 includes afluid waste diverter 58 that diverts waste through one of the lidapertures 42A, 42B, which may otherwise not have been properly aimed ator into one of the lid apertures 42A, 42B. In this embodiment, the wastediverter 58 is positioned at least partially around the lid aperture42A, which is designed to receive fluid waste. However, it is understoodthat the fluid waste diverter 58 could have also or alternatively beenpositioned at least partially around the lid aperture 42B to guardagainst errant solid waste not being received by the lid aperture 42B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the retainer lid 28 includes atop surface 59 that is substantially planar. In one embodiment, the topsurface 59 can be angled toward the user to allow easier deposition offluids and solids into the disposal assembly 10. Alternatively, the topsurface 59 can be flat, i.e. perpendicular to one or more of theretainer side walls 24 (two side walls 24 are illustrated in FIG. 1B).Still alternatively, the top surface 59 can be angled away from a user,or can be angled to one side or another. In another embodiment, the topsurface 59 can have a non-planar configuration, i.e. curved,multi-faceted, etc.

FIG. 1C is an exploded view of one embodiment of a disposal assembly10C. In this embodiment, the disposal assembly 10C includes a fluidwaste receiver 12C, a solid waste receiver 14C and a receiver retainer16C. The positioning of the fluid waste receiver 12C and the solid wastereceiver 14C relative to the receiver retainer 16C can vary from thatshown in FIG. 1C. In this embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 12Cincludes a fluid receiver guide 62 (also sometimes referred to herein as“receiver guide”) that guides the fluid waste into the fluid receiverbody 19C. The fluid receiver guide 62 can include a standard funnel-typedevice, a spiral funnel, or a series of diverters. The fluid receiverguide 62 can further inhibit or prevent wrongful, illegal or unwantedextraction of waste from inside the fluid waste receiver 12C byinhibiting or impeding hands or other objects from entering the fluidreceiver body 19C. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the fluidreceiver guide 62 can include a fluid distributor 64 that directlydistributes and/or disperses fluid to different levels within the fluidwaste receiver 12C, as described in greater detail herein.Alternatively, the fluid receiver guide 62 and the fluid distributor 64can be separate and/or spaced-apart structures within the fluid wastereceiver 12C.

The solid waste receiver 14C includes a solid receiver guide 67 thatguides the fluid waste into the fluid receiver body 21C. The solidreceiver guide 67 can include a standard funnel-type device, a spiralfunnel, or a series of diverters. The solid receiver guide 67 canfurther inhibit or prevent wrongful, illegal or unwanted extraction ofwaste from inside the solid waste receiver 14C by inhibiting or impedinghands or other objects, from entering the solid receiver body 21C.

The receiver retainer 16C includes a retainer housing 22C, a retainerbase 26C, and a retainer lid 28C having a waste diverter 58C, which aresubstantially similar to those previously described. The disposalassembly 10C also includes a controller 31 which can control and/ormonitor various functions of the disposal assembly 10C, including theactivation of the indicators 32, 34 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) and/or theindicators 36, 38 (illustrated in FIG. 1A), as non-exclusive examples.In various non-exclusive embodiments, the controller 31 can include oneor more types of electronics, printed circuit boards, integratedcircuits, time-keeping devices and weight detection and/or monitoringdevices, as described in greater detail herein. In addition, or in thealternative, the controller 31 can include one or more power supplies,such as electrochemical cell structures 68 that may be useful inproviding power to the disposal assembly 10C. In one embodiment, thecontroller 31 can be a separate, removable structure that can be removedin the event of a malfunction, for the purpose of upgrading/updating thecontroller 31, to service the controller 31, or once the controller 31reaches the end of its useful life.

In this embodiment, the retainer lid 28C includes one or more lidapertures (two lid apertures 42AC, 42BC, are illustrated in FIG. 1C).The lid apertures 42AC, 42BC function substantially in the same manneras those previously described herein, allowing fluid waste and/or solidwaste to be deposited into one of the waste receivers 12C, 14C, fromoutside of the disposal assembly 10C. In this embodiment, the lidapertures 42AC, 42BC, are positioned in, and extend through, the lid top43.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the lid apertures 42AC, 42BC,each includes a corresponding waste guide 44AC, 44BC that assists indirecting the specific phase of waste (solid, liquid or gas) to theappropriate waste receiver 12C, 14C. The waste guides 44AC, 44BC caninclude a standard funnel-type device, a spiral funnel, or a series ofdiverters that guide the waste to the appropriate waste receiver 12C,14C, in a manner substantially similar or identical to that previouslydescribed herein.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the receiver retainer 16C alsoincludes one or more waste receiver liners 52C, 54C, describedpreviously herein. Further, in this embodiment, the disposal assembly10C can also include a retainer sleeve 60 that encircles at least aportion of the retainer housing 22C. The retainer sleeve 60 can beformed from various plastic materials or other synthetic materials,metal, various composites, or any other suitable materials. The sleevecan provide added sheer strength to the disposal assembly 10C and/or canprovide a decorative surface that is aesthetically pleasing in ahospital or health care facility setting.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid waste receiver212 including the fluid receiver cap 218 and the fluid receiver body219. The specific configuration of the fluid receiver body 219 of thefluid waste receiver 212 can vary depending upon the design requirementsof the disposal assembly 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,the fluid receiver body 219 has a somewhat rectangular shape.Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 219 can be conical,frustoconical, cubical, spherical, pyramidal, or can have any othersuitable shape.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the fluid waste receiver 212illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the fluid waste receiver 212 hascurved, e.g., radiused, corners and edges. Additionally, in thisembodiment, the fluid waste receiver 212 includes an identification tag200. In one embodiment, the identification tag 200 can be used inconjunction with an identification reader 1500 (illustrated in FIG. 15)that is positioned on another structure of the disposal assembly 1510,such as the receiver retainer 1516 (illustrated in FIG. 15, forexample), as set forth in greater detail below. In one embodiment, theidentification tag 200 can be a radio frequency identification (“RFID”)tag. In addition, or in the alternative, the identification tag 200 caninclude a barcode label, a printed serial number, an integrated circuit,and/or any other suitable type of identifier of the particular fluidwaste receiver 212. In another embodiment, the identification tag 200can be used independently of any type of identification reader such thatthe identification tag 200 is used as a “stand alone” identifier of thefluid waste receiver 212.

The identification tag 200 can include an active RFID tag, which cancontain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously. Alternatively,the identification tag 200 can include a passive RFID tag, which canhave no battery and can require an external source to provoke signaltransmission. Still alternatively, the identification tag 200 caninclude a battery assisted passive (BAP) RFID tag, which can require anexternal source to wake up but have significant higher forward linkcapability providing greater range.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the fluid waste receiver 212A takenon line 4A-4A in FIG. 2, with the fluid receiver cap 218 (illustrated inFIG. 2) removed for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A,the fluid waste receiver 212A includes the identification tag 200, afluid receiver body 219, a fluid receiver guide 262, a fluid distributor264A, a fluid absorber 270A, an absorber retainer 272, a fluid processor274 and a fluid deodorizer 276. The fluid receiver guide 262 issubstantially similar or identical to the fluid receiver guide 62previous described herein.

In certain embodiments, the fluid distributor 264A receives fluid wastevia the fluid receiver guide 262 and can directly distribute and/orallow the fluid waste to flow to one or more levels 270L, 270M, 270U ofthe fluid absorber 270A in a more even (e.g., non-random) manner, asillustrated by arrows 265. As used herein, the term “directlydistribute” means that migration of the fluid waste from one level 270L,270M, 270U to another is not necessary because due to its design, thefluid distributor 264A allows the fluid waste to initially enter thefluid absorber 270A at each of the levels 270L, 270M, 270U, rather thanat one single level. With this design, the fluid waste can more rapidlybe absorbed by the fluid absorber 270A, which inhibits puddling orponding of fluid waste within the fluid waste receiver 212A.

The shape and positioning of the fluid distributor 264A relative to thefluid waste receiver 212A can vary depending upon the designrequirements of the fluid waste receiver 212A. In one embodiment, thefluid distributor 264A can have a substantially tubular shape with acircular cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. Alternatively, thefluid distributor 264A can have a different shape and/or a differentcross-section. In alternative non-exclusive embodiments, for example,the fluid distributor 264A can have a conical, frustoconical, pyramidal,hourglass or other suitable shape. Further, in alternative non-exclusiveembodiments, the fluid distributor 264A can have an elliptical,triangular, square, hexagonal, or any other suitable polygonal orirregular cross-sectional shape in order to accomplish the desired fluiddistribution of the fluid waste to the fluid absorber 270A. In oneembodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can be formed from a durableplastic material. Alternatively, the fluid distributor 264A can beformed from another suitable material, such as metal, various compositematerials, glass, fiberglass, ceramic, or any other relatively durablematerials.

In addition, the extent to which the fluid distributor 264A extends intothe fluid waste receiver 212A can vary. For example, the fluiddistributor 264A need not extend all the way to a bottom of the fluidwaste receiver 212A as illustrated in FIG. 4A. Stated another way, thefluid distributor 264A has a length 201A that can be varied to suit thedesign requirements of the fluid waste receiver 212A. In one embodiment,the fluid distributor 264A can have a shorter length 201A relative tothe fluid waste receiver 212A than that illustrated in FIG. 4A.

In one embodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can include a plurality ofdistributor apertures 278A that enable the fluid waste to directly flowin accordance with the arrows 265 into the fluid absorber 270A atvarious vertical levels within the fluid waste receiver 212A. With thisdesign, the fluid distributor 264A acts as a temporary reservoir untilthe fluid waste moves through the distributor apertures 278A and is atleast partially or fully absorbed by the fluid absorber 270A. Further,the fluid distributor 264A can more evenly and directly distribute thefluid waste to various levels 270L, 270M, 270U of the fluid absorber270A, i.e. a lower level 270L, a middle level 270M and an upper level270U of the fluid absorber 270A. Stated another way, the fluiddistributor 264A inhibits any one level 270L, 270M, 270U within thefluid absorber 270A from having to absorb substantially more fluid wastethan any other level 270L, 270M, 270U. Further, the fluid distributor264A can inhibit the fluid waste from simply collecting on the upperlevel 270U of the fluid absorber 270A. Because the fluid distributor264A extends through at least a portion of the fluid absorber 270A, thefluid waste does not need to diffuse through the upper level 270U toreach the middle and lower levels 270M, 270L, resulting in more rapidabsorption of the fluid waste by the fluid absorber 270A.

As used herein, the term “levels” of the fluid absorber 270A refers tovertical levels that have relative positioning within the fluid receiverbody 219. For example, the lower level 270L is positioned adjacent toand/or near a receiver bottom 283 (illustrated in FIG. 4C). The upperlevel 270U is positioned furthest away from the receiver bottom 283,e.g., in one embodiment, adjacent to or near the absorber retainer 272.The middle level 270M is positioned between the lower level 270L and theupper level 270U. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the fluiddistributor 264A extends downwardly from the fluid receiver guide 262 atleast partially, if not fully, through the various levels 270L, 270M,270U of the fluid absorber 270A.

The size, shape, density and number of distributor apertures 278A canvary depending upon the requirements of the fluid waste receiver 212Aand/or the shape and/or size of the fluid absorber 270A, and/or thematerial used to form the fluid absorber 270A. In one embodiment, all ofthe distributor apertures 278A are substantially similar in size and/orshape. In another embodiment, the sizes of the distributor apertures278A can be different depending upon their location on the fluiddistributor 264A. In still another embodiment, the density ofdistributor apertures 278A can be substantially similar over the length201A of the fluid distributor 264A. Alternatively, the density ofdistributor apertures 278A can vary over the length 201A of the fluiddistributor 264A. The foregoing embodiments are provided as examplesonly, and are not intended to be limiting in any manner. For example, inanother embodiment, one fluid distributor 264A can combine varyingsizes, shapes and densities of distributor apertures 278A.

In one embodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can include a distributorsleeve 279A that inhibits any portion of the fluid absorber 270A fromentering into the fluid distributor 264A through any of the distributorapertures 278A. The distributor sleeve 279A can include afluid-permeable material that wraps partially or fully around the fluiddistributor 264A to act as a fluid-permeable barrier between adistributor interior 277A of the fluid distributor 264A and the portionof the fluid receiver body 219 that contains the fluid absorber 270A.Importantly, the distributor sleeve 279A does not unduly impede fluidflow from the distributor interior 277A of the fluid distributor 264Aout through the distributor apertures 278A and into the fluid absorber270A. In one embodiment, the distributor sleeve 279A can be formed froma material such as a durable fabric-type material. Alternatively, thedistributor sleeve 279A can be formed from a plastic material, or anyother suitably durable, yet fluid-permeable, material.

The fluid absorber 270A absorbs fluid waste that enters the fluiddistributor 264A. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 270A includes asolid material such as a super absorbent polymer (SAP), which can alsobe combined with additional fluff or fibrous materials, for example.Alternatively, the fluid absorber 270A can include other suitable,relatively absorbent materials. The material that forms the fluidabsorber 270A can also include antibacterial, antimicrobial, and/oranti-odor characteristics. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 270Acan be impregnated with a silver or copper type of antibacterial and/orantimicrobial agent to reduce or eliminate the possibility of bacterialor fungal growth. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 270A can convertthe fluid waste to a gelatinous or solid material that is less likely tospill or leak from the fluid waste receiver 212A.

The absorber retainer 272 maintains the positioning of the fluidabsorber 270A within the fluid waste receiver 212A. In one embodiment,the absorber retainer 272 can include a fluid-permeable screen, such asa plastic or wire mesh screen. Alternatively, the absorber retainer 272can be a substantially fluid-impermeable layer. By maintaining theposition of the fluid absorber 270A, the absorber retainer 272 alsomaintains an gap region 280 within the fluid waste receiver 212A, andacts as a fluid permeable barrier between the fluid absorber 270A andthe gap region 280. Additionally, the gap region 280 acts as an overflowreservoir that holds unabsorbed fluid waste, if necessary, until thefluid waste can be absorbed by the fluid absorber 270A.

The fluid processor 274 can process the fluid waste in one or more ways.For example, the fluid processor 274 can include a deodorizer, anantimicrobial agent, an antibacterial agent and/or an antifungal agent.The fluid processor 274 can also include an upper solid waste filter282U and/or a lower solid waste filter 282L that inhibit or preventsolid waste, such as pills, capsules, syringes, needles, etc., orportions thereof, or particles from the fluid processor 274 fromentering into the fluid distributor 264A. Further, in certainembodiments, the solid waste filters 282U, 282L can act as an additionalbarrier to inhibit or prevent portions of the fluid absorber 270A fromexiting the fluid waste receiver 212 in the event the fluid wastereceiver is inverted. The solid waste filters 282U, 282L can include ascreen or mesh material, or another suitable fluid-permeable structure.

The fluid deodorizer 276 deodorizes the fluid waste that enters thefluid waste receiver 212A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, thefluid deodorizer 276 is secured to an upper portion of the fluidreceiver body 219 with one or more deodorizer fasteners 284. Thefasteners 284 can include pins, screws, or any other suitable fasteners.It is understood that in other embodiments, the fluid deodorizer 276 canbe positioned in other locations within the fluid waste receiver 212A,and that the example provided in FIG. 4A is only provided as oneworkable position for the fluid deodorizer 276, and is not intended tolimit the invention in any manner. In one embodiment, the fluiddeodorizer 276 can be somewhat similar to the material that forms thefluid processor 274. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the fluiddeodorizer 276 can include a carbon-based filter, a scented deodorizer,or another suitable structure that performs the intended function ofdeodorizing the interior of the fluid receiver body 219.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid waste receiver 212A takenon line 4B-4B in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the fluid distributor 264Ais substantially centrally positioned within the fluid receiver body219. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can bepositioned off-center within the fluid receiver body 219. Stillalternatively, the fluid distributor 264 can include greater than onetubular (or other shaped) section that extends into the fluid absorber270A. Stated another way, the fluid distributor 264A can have aplurality of distributor branches (such as those illustrated in FIG. 4K,for example) that extend into the fluid absorber 270A. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4B, the fluid absorber 270A encircles or surroundsthe fluid distributor 264A to substantially fill a space between thefluid receiver body 219 and the distributor sleeve 279A of the fluiddistributor 264A. In an alternative embodiment, there may be voids orgaps between the fluid absorber 270A and the fluid receiver body 219. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the distributor apertures 278Aare positioned at various points around the circumference of the fluiddistributor 264A. It is understood, however, that the positioning ofdistributor apertures 278A can vary from that illustrated in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment ofthe fluid waste receiver 212C. In this embodiment, the fluid wastereceiver 212C is substantially similar to the fluid waste receiver 212Aillustrated in FIG. 5A, except for certain modifications noted herein.So as not to obscure the features described relative to FIG. 4C, many ofthe features of the fluid waste receiver 212A illustrated in FIG. 4Ahave been omitted from FIG. 4C.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4C, the fluid receiver 212Cincludes a receiver bottom 283 that supports the fluid absorber 270C. Inthis embodiment, the fluid distributor 264C extends from the fluidreceiver guide 262 to a point above the receiver bottom 283. Statedanother way, the fluid distributor 264C does not extend all the way tothe receiver bottom 283, but stops short of the receiver bottom 283.With this design, fluid waste can not only migrate out of thedistributor apertures 278C into the fluid absorber 270C, but the fluidwaste can also migrate out of the fluid distributor 264C through adistributor bottom 285 of the fluid distributor 264C. In one embodiment,the distributor bottom 285 can be partially or completely open, with theexception of the distributor sleeve 279C which may cover some or theentire distributor bottom 285 in a fluid-permeable manner. Therefore, inone embodiment, the distributor sleeve 279C can inhibit or prevent thematerial that forms the fluid absorber 270C from migrating in anupwardly direction into the fluid distributor 264C.

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodimentof the fluid waste receiver 212D. In this embodiment, the fluid wastereceiver 212D includes an antimicrobial layer 251 that thinly coats atleast portions of one or more structures within the fluid waste receiver212D. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4D, theantimicrobial layer 251 can be positioned on one or more surfaces of thefluid receiver body 219, the fluid distributor 264D, the absorberretainer 272, the distributor sleeve 279D, and/or any other suitablesurface within the fluid waste receiver 212D. In one non-exclusiveembodiment, the antimicrobial layer 251 can be formed from materialsthat can disrupt the ability of germs and other bacteria from adheringto or reproducing on surfaces of the fluid waste receiver 212D. However,it is recognized that any suitable antimicrobial agent known to thoseskilled in the art can be used to form the antimicrobial layer 251.Further, the thickness of the antimicrobial layer 251 can vary asrequired to suit the design requirements of the fluid waste receiver212D based on knowledge of those skilled in the art. In one embodiment,the thickness of the antimicrobial layer 251 can be one micron or less.Alternatively, the thickness of the antimicrobial layer 251 can bewithin the range of 1-500 microns, or greater.

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212E, including the fluid receiver guide 262Eand the fluid distributor 264E. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264E includes a plurality of substantially oval orelliptical distributor apertures 278E that increase in size along thelength 201E of the fluid distributor 264E in the direction from thefluid receiver guide 262E toward the distributor bottom 285E. With thisdesign, a greater volume of the fluid waste is directed toward the lowerlevel 270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A(illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directedtoward the upper level 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluidabsorber 270A. Although in this embodiment, the distributor apertures278E are shown as being substantially evenly spaced and similar inshape, it is understood that the distributor apertures 278E can bedissimilar in shape and/or unevenly spaced, and/or can have a differentshape than that illustrated in FIG. 4E. In an alternative embodiment(not shown), the distributor apertures 278E can decrease in size alongthe length 201E of the fluid distributor 264E in the direction from thefluid receiver guide 262E toward the distributor bottom 285E.

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212F, including the fluid receiver guide 262Fand the fluid distributor 264F. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264F includes a plurality of substantially slit-shapeddistributor apertures 278F that are substantially similar in size, butare more dense, e.g., more numerous, in the direction from the fluidreceiver guide 262F toward the distributor bottom 285F. Stated anotherway, a spacing between the distributor apertures 278F along a directionalong the length 201F of the fluid distributor 264F is non-uniform. Withthis design, a greater volume of the fluid waste is directed toward thelower level 270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A(illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directedtoward the upper level 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluidabsorber 270A. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the distributorapertures 278F are less dense, e.g., less numerous, in the directionfrom the fluid receiver guide 262F toward the distributor bottom 285F.

FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212G, including the fluid receiver guide 262Gand the fluid distributor 264G. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264G includes a plurality of relatively small distributorapertures 278G that are substantially uniform in size over the length201G of the fluid distributor 264G. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264G can include a screen-like material that forms thedistributor apertures 278G. The distributor apertures 278G can be anysuitable size that can allow passage of fluid waste out of the fluiddistributor 264G and into the fluid absorber 270A (illustrated in FIG.4A, for example).

FIG. 4H is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212H, including the fluid receiver guide 262Hand the fluid distributor 264H. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264H includes a plurality of distributor apertures 278H thatincrease in number along the length 201H of the fluid distributor 264Hin the direction from the fluid receiver guide 262H toward thedistributor bottom 285H. Stated another way, a density of thedistributor apertures 278H is non-uniform in a direction along thelength 201H of the fluid distributor 264H. With this design, a greatervolume of the fluid waste is directed toward the lower level 270L(illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A (illustrated in FIG.4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directed toward the upper level270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A. In analternative embodiment (not shown), the distributor apertures 278H candecrease in number along the length 201H of the fluid distributor 264Hin the direction from the fluid receiver guide 262H toward thedistributor bottom 285H.

FIG. 4I is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212I, including the fluid receiver guide 262Iand the fluid distributor 264I. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264I flares out along the length 201I of the fluiddistributor 264I in a direction from the fluid receiver guide 262Itoward the distributor bottom 285I. Stated another way, the fluiddistributor 264I has an increasingly larger cross-sectional area movingfrom an upper portion 265UI toward a lower portion 265LI of the fluiddistributor 264I. In addition, the fluid distributor 264I can includegreater number of distributor apertures 278I along the length 201I ofthe fluid distributor 264I moving from the upper portion 265UI towardthe lower portion 265LI of the fluid distributor 264I. With this design,a greater volume of the fluid waste is directed toward the lower level270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A (illustrated inFIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directed toward the upperlevel 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A.

FIG. 4J is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212J, including the fluid receiver guide 262Jand the fluid distributor 264J. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264J includes a plurality of distributor apertures 278J thatare substantially similar to those previously described relative to FIG.4G. However, in this embodiment, the fluid distributor 264J flares outalong the length 201J of the fluid distributor 264J moving from an upperportion 265UJ toward a lower portion 265LJ of the fluid distributor264J, somewhat similarly to the embodiment described relative to FIG.4I. With this design, a greater volume of the fluid waste is directedtoward the lower level 270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluidabsorber 270A (illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volumeis directed toward the upper level 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of thefluid absorber 270A.

FIG. 4K is a side view of another embodiment of a portion of the fluidwaste receiver 212K, including the fluid receiver guide 262K and thefluid distributor 264K. In this embodiment, the fluid distributor 264Kincludes a plurality of distributor legs 287. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4K, the fluid distributor 264K includes threedistributor legs 287. However, in alternative embodiments, the fluiddistributor 264K can include fewer than three or greater than threedistributor legs 287. With this design, a greater and more evenlydistributed surface area of the fluid absorber 270 (illustrated in FIG.4A) can be directly accessible to the fluid waste exiting the fluiddistributor 264K via the distributor apertures 278K. In one embodiment,fluid waste can also emanate from the fluid distributor 264K via thedistributor bottom 285K of one or more of the distributor legs 287. Inone embodiment, the distributor legs 287 can have a substantiallysimilar length to one another. Alternatively, the distributor legs 287can have different lengths from one another.

FIG. 5A is a partial cutaway view of another embodiment of a disposalassembly 510A including a fluid waste receiver 512A. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver 512A is fully self-contained and is not used inconjunction with a separate receiver retainer (such as receiver retainer16 illustrated in FIG. 1A). Although not necessarily illustrated in FIG.5A, the fluid waste receiver 512A can include some or all of the samecomponents illustrated and described relative to FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B,including one or more of the fluid receiver guide 262, the fluiddistributor 264, the fluid processor 274 and the fluid deodorizer 276,which function substantially as described previously herein.

Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, the disposalassembly 510A includes a fluid receiver cap 518, a fluid receiver body519, a controller 531, a charged battery indicator 532, a low batteryindicator 534, a fluid waste receiver indicator 536, a fluid absorber570A, an absorber retainer 572A, and an gap region 580A, which functionsubstantially as previously described herein, with the exception ofcertain modifications provided below. Further, the disposal assembly510A can also include a timer activator 538, a fluid receiver bodyretainer 581 and one or more fluid waste receiver sensors 582A, 582B,582C, 582D.

In one embodiment, the fluid receiver body 519 is positioned within andis movable relative to the fluid receiver body retainer 581 in adirection illustrated by arrow 583. Movement of the fluid receiver body519 relative to the fluid receiver body retainer 581 only needs to beslight, and is dependent upon the weight of the contents of the fluidreceiver body 519, including any fluid waste which may be present withinthe fluid receiver body 519. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, afluid waste receiver sensor 582A is positioned between the fluidreceiver body 519 and the fluid receiver body retainer 581. In oneembodiment, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582A is a weight sensor,such as a load cell, for example. In this embodiment, as the weight ofthe fluid receiver body 519 and its contents increases, a greater forceis exerted on the weight sensor 582A.

In one embodiment, the weight sensor 582A can convert a predeterminedforce into an electrical signal, which causes the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 to activate. Activation of the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 can alert a user that the fluid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the fluid receiver body 519,and the user has a certain predetermined time period to place the fluidreceiver cap 518 on the fluid receiver body 519, which prepares thedisposal assembly 510A for disposal. In various embodiments, thepredetermined force required to activate the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 and/or the predetermined percentage of the capacity of thefluid receiver body 519 can be determined based upon variousrequirements of the specific regulations governing disposal of waste.Alternatively, the predetermined force required to activate the fluidwaste receiver indicator 536 and/or the predetermined percentage of thecapacity of the fluid receiver body 519 can be determined by the user,and can be programmed into the controller 531.

In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 can beactivated by the fluid waste receiver sensor 582B. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver sensor 582B includes two or more electricalconductors 584A, 584B that form a circuit once the liquid waste hasreached a predetermined height (indicated by dashed line 585) within thefluid receiver body 519. Once the circuit has been formed, the fluidwaste receiver sensor 582B sends an electrical signal to the controller531, which then activates the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 toalert a user that the fluid waste has reached a predetermined percentageof the capacity of the fluid receiver body 519. At this point, in oneembodiment, the user would have a certain predetermined time period toplace the fluid receiver cap 518 on the fluid receiver body 519, whichprepares the disposal assembly 510A for disposal.

In another embodiment, the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 can beactivated by the fluid waste receiver sensor 582C. In this embodiment,as the fluid absorber 570A expands once a particular amount of fluidwaste has been absorbed by the fluid absorber 570A, the absorberretainer 572A will move in an upward direction as indicated by arrow586A. This upward movement generates a force against the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582C. Once a predetermined force has been achieved, thefluid waste receiver sensor 582C transmits an electrical signal to thecontroller 531. The controller 531 then activates the fluid wastereceiver indicator 536 to alert a user that the fluid waste has reacheda predetermined percentage of the capacity of the fluid receiver body519. At this point, in one embodiment, the user has a certainpredetermined time period to place the fluid receiver cap 518 on thefluid receiver body 519, which prepares the disposal assembly 510A fordisposal.

In this embodiment, the specific type of fluid waste receiver sensor582C can vary. In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582Ccan be a load cell. Alternatively, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582Ccan include one or more piezoelectric elements. Still alternatively,other types of sensors can be used that can transmit an electricalsignal based on mechanical movement of the absorber retainer 572A.

In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582D can be amoisture-sensitive visual indicator that changes color (e.g., white tored) once the fluid level has risen to the level of the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582D. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582D can be positioned at a specific level that, upon acolor change of the fluid waste receiver sensor 582D, would indicate thefluid waste has reached a predetermined percentage of the capacity ofthe fluid receiver body 519. At this point, in one embodiment, the userwould have a certain predetermined time period to place the fluidreceiver cap 518 on the fluid receiver body 519, which prepares thedisposal assembly 510A for disposal.

The timer activator 538 activates a timer within the controller 531. Thepositioning of the timer activator on or within the fluid waste receiver512A can vary to suit the design requirements of the disposal assembly510A and/or the fluid waste receiver 512A. In one embodiment, the timeractivator 538 starts a timer, such as a clock as one non-exclusiveexample, that tracks the time until expiration of the fluid wastereceiver 512A. The timer can be included as part of and/or embeddedwithin the controller 531. Alternatively, the timer can be separate fromthe controller 531, and can be maintained either within the fluid wastereceiver 512A or remotely, outside of the fluid waste receiver 512A. Incertain alternative embodiments, the timer can be wirelessly connectedor hardwired to the timer activator 538. In one embodiment, the timeractivator 538 can be manually activated by the user once usage of thedisposal assembly 510A has commenced, such as by manually depressing abutton, flipping a switch, or by another suitable manual method. In analternative embodiment, the timer activator 538 can be automaticallyactivated by some specific initiating event, such as removal of thereceiver lid 518, initial addition of fluid waste or other fluid withinthe fluid waste receiver 512A, or some other suitable initiating event.

In one embodiment, once a predetermined period of time has elapsedfollowing activation of the timer activator 538, the controller 531activates the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 or a separate timerindicator (not shown), which alerts the user that a specific time periodhas passed, and that the useful life of the disposal assembly 510A haseither expired, or that expiration is scheduled to occur in apredetermined time period. For example, if expiration of the disposalassembly 510A occurs at 90 days from activation of the timer activator538, the controller 531 may activate the fluid waste receiver indicator536 at 75 days to provide a 15-day lead time for the user to terminateusage of the disposal assembly 510A. It is understood that the foregoingexample is provided for ease of understanding only, and is not intendedto limit in any manner the time periods for which the invention may beused.

FIG. 5B is a partial cutaway view of another embodiment of a disposalassembly 510B including a fluid waste receiver 512B. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver 512B is substantially similar to the fluidwaste receiver 512A illustrated in FIG. 5A, except for certainmodifications noted herein. So as not to obscure the features describedrelative to FIG. 5B, many of the features of the fluid waste receiver512A illustrated in FIG. 5A have been omitted from FIG. 5B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 can be activated by the fluid waste receiver sensor 582Cin a somewhat similar manner as that previously described. However, inthis embodiment, the fluid absorber 570B is spaced apart a predetermineddistance from the absorber retainer 572B to allow for a certain degreeof expansion of the fluid absorber 570B as fluid waste is absorbedthereby. The specific distance that the absorber retainer 572B is spacedapart from the fluid absorber 570B can vary, but is dependent upon thespecific expansion properties of the fluid absorber 570B.

Thus, once a particular amount of fluid waste has been introduced intothe fluid absorber 570B, the fluid absorber 570B expands sufficientlytoward the absorber retainer 572B so that the fluid absorber 570Beventually contacts the absorber retainer 572B. Therefore, in thisembodiment, the fluid absorber 570B will move in an upward direction asindicated by arrow 586A as the fluid absorber 570B absorbs fluid waste.This upward movement generates a force against the fluid waste receiversensor 582C, which in this embodiment is positioned in the gap region580B. Once a predetermined force has been achieved, the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582C transmits an electrical signal to the controller531. The controller 531 then activates the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 to alert a user that the fluid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the fluid receiver body 519.At this point, in one embodiment, the user has a certain predeterminedtime period to place and/or lock the fluid receiver cap 518 on the fluidreceiver body 519, which prepares the disposal assembly 510A forpermanent disposal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the solid wastereceiver 614 including the solid receiver cap 620 and the solid receiverbody 621. The specific configuration of the solid receiver body 621 ofthe solid waste receiver 614 can vary depending upon the designrequirements of the disposal assembly 10. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 6, the solid receiver body 621 has a somewhat rectangular shape.Alternatively, the solid receiver body 621 can be conical,frustoconical, cubical, spherical, pyramidal, or can have any othersuitable configuration.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the solid waste receiver 614illustrated in FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, the solid waste receiver 614 hascurved, e.g., radiused, corners and edges.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the solid waste receiver 614 takenon line 8-8 in FIG. 6, with the solid receiver cap 620 (illustrated inFIG. 6) removed for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A,the solid waste receiver 614 can include one or more of a solid receiverbody 621, a solid receiver guide 667A, a fluid absorber 670, a reactionagent 687 and an adherer 688.

In one embodiment, the solid receiver guide 667A can include one or moresolid waste diverters 658 that divert the direction of the solid wastewhile the solid waste is entering an interior of the solid wastereceiver 614. In one embodiment, the solid waste diverters 658 can causethe solid waste to move in a back and forth or zigzag manner as thesolid waste moves downward into the solid receiver body 621. In anotherembodiment, the solid waste diverter 658 can be in the shape of aspiral, e.g., similar to a snail shell, so that the solid waste spiralsinto the solid receiver body 621. Still alternatively, the one or moresolid waste diverters 658 can have a different configuration. In certainembodiments, the solid waste diverters 658 can inhibit or preventwrongful, illegal or unwanted removal of solid waste from inside solidreceiver body 621 by inhibiting or impeding hands or other objects fromentering the solid receiver body 621.

In this embodiment, the solid receiver guide 667A is illustrated asincluding two solid waste diverters 658 that guide the solid waste in aplurality of directions away from and toward the solid body access621BA. In particular, as illustrated, the solid waste can contact theuppermost solid waste diverter 658 which guides and/or diverts the solidwaste in a first direction 695A away from the solid body access 621BA.The solid waste can further contact the lower solid waste diverter 658which guides and/or diverts the solid waste in a second direction 695Baway from the solid body access, the second direction 695B beingdifferent than the first direction 695A. Additionally, the solid wastecan contact the interior side of the solid receiver guide 667A whichguides the solid waste in a third direction 695C toward the solid bodyaccess 621BA, the third direction 695C being different than the firstdirection 695A and the second direction 695B. In one embodiment, thesolid waste can be guided away from the solid body access 621BA by thesolid waste diverters 658 prior to the solid receiver guide 667A guidingthe solid waste toward the solid body access 621BA. Further, in certainalternative embodiments, the solid receiver guide 667A can includegreater than or less than two solid waste diverters 658, and/or thesolid waste can be guided and/or diverted in more than two directions695A, 695B prior to being guided, e.g., in the third direction 695C,toward the solid body access 621BA.

Additionally, it should be noted that the use of the terms “firstdirection”, “second direction”, and “third direction” is merely for easeof description and any of the directions can be described as the first,second and/or third directions, provided at least two of the directionsare different from one another.

In one embodiment, the solid receiver guide 667A includes a guide flap689 at or near the bottom of the solid receiver guide 667A, i.e. nearthe solid body access 621BA. In one such embodiment, the guide flap 689is hinged so that the guide flap 689 can move between an open positionand a closed position as indicated by arrow 690. In FIG. 8A, the guideflap 689 is shown in the open position. In one embodiment, the guideflap 689 can include a flap weight 691 that maintains the guide flap 689in the open position when the solid waste receiver 614 is in an uprightposition, such as that illustrated in FIG. 8A. In the event the solidwaste receiver 614 is moved to an inverted position, the flap weight 691will cause the guide flap 689 to move to the closed position so thatsolid waste will be inhibited from exiting the solid receiver body 621.The solid receiver guide 667A can also include a flap stop 692 thatinhibits movement of the guide flap 689 beyond the open positionillustrated in FIG. 8A.

The fluid absorber 670 can be included inside the solid receiver body621 to absorb any fluid waste that may inadvertently be deposited intothe solid receiver body 621 and/or that may be a by-product of thebreakdown of any solid waste.

The reaction agent 687 can react with water or other fluids in order tochemically and/or physically break down any solid waste inside the solidreceiver body 621, and/or make the solid waste undesirable and/orindigestible, once the solid receiver body 621 is determined to be readyfor capping (i.e. at or near capacity, or at or near expiration). Statedanother way, prior to capping the solid receiver body 621, a liquid isadded to the solid receiver body 621, which catalyzes a reaction withthe reaction agent 687 to destroy or otherwise chemically and/orphysically change the solid waste to an unusable and/or unrecoverableform. Alternatively, a liquid is added that solidifies the reactionagent 687 to encapsulate or otherwise surround the solid waste in thesolid receiver body 621. The solid receiver body 621 can then be capped,and is then ready for permanent disposal.

In one embodiment, the adherer 688 is positioned at least along aportion of the inside of the solid receiver body 621. The adherer 688can be an adhesive material or any other suitable material that promotesadherence of the solid waste to the inside of the solid receiver body621. The adherer 688 adds another layer of protection to inhibit solidwaste from being removed from the solid receiver body 621.

It should be noted that although FIG. 8A illustrates and describes anembodiment of the solid receiver guide 667A, the particular features ofthis solid receiver guide 667A can be equally applicable for one or moreof the waste guides 44A, 44B (illustrated in FIG. 1A) and the fluidreceiver guide 62 (illustrated in FIG. 1C) as described above.

FIG. 8B is an alternative cross-sectional view of a portion of the solidwaste receiver 614 taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 6, with the solid receivercap 620 (illustrated in FIG. 6) removed for clarity. The solid wastereceiver 614 illustrated in FIG. 8B is substantially similar to thesolid waste receiver 614 illustrated in FIG. 8A, with the exception ofthe particular design of the solid receiver guide 667B.

In this embodiment, the solid receiver guide 667B includes a spiralfunnel 696 that guides the solid waste in a plurality of directions awayfrom and toward the solid body access 621BA of the solid receiver body621. In particular, because the spiral funnel 696 has a generally curvedshape, the solid waste can be continuously guided and/or redirected in aplurality of different directions away from the solid body access 621BAin addition to the solid waste being guided by the solid receiver guide667B toward the solid body access 621BA. By way of illustration, thesolid waste can be guided and/or redirected by the spiral funnel 696 ina first direction 697A, a second direction 697B, and a third direction697C away from the solid body access 621BA, in addition to being guidedand/or redirected by the solid receiver guide 667B in a fourth direction697D toward the solid body access 621BA. In one embodiment, the solidwaste can be guided and/or redirected away from the solid body access621BA by the spiral funnel 696 prior to the solid receiver guide 667Bguiding and/or redirecting the solid waste toward the solid body access621BA. Additionally and/or alternatively, due to the continuous curve ofthe spiral funnel 696, the solid waste can be described as being guidedand/or redirected by the spiral funnel 696 in greater than threedirections in addition to being guided and/or redirected by the solidreceiver guide 667B toward the solid body access 621BA.

Additionally, it should be noted that the use of the terms “firstdirection”, “second direction”, “third direction”, and “fourthdirection” is merely for ease of description and any of the directionscan be described as the first, second, third and/or fourth directions,provided at least two of the directions are different from one another.

Further, it should be noted that although FIG. 8B illustrates anddescribes an embodiment of the solid receiver guide 667B, the particularfeatures of this solid receiver guide 667B can be equally applicable forone or more of the waste guides 44A, 44B (illustrated in FIG. 1A) andthe fluid receiver guide 62 (illustrated in FIG. 1C) as described above.

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of yet another embodiment of thedisposal assembly 910. FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of anotherembodiment of a disposal assembly 910 including a solid waste receiver914. In this embodiment, the solid waste receiver 914 is fullyself-contained and is not used in conjunction with a separate receiverretainer (such as receiver retainer 16 illustrated in FIG. 1A). Althoughnot necessarily illustrated in FIG. 9, the solid waste receiver 914 caninclude the same components illustrated and described relative to FIGS.6 and 8, including the solid receiver guide 667, which functionssubstantially as described previously herein.

Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the disposalassembly 910 includes a solid receiver cap 920, a solid receiver body921, a controller 931, a charged battery indicator 932, a low batteryindicator 934, a solid waste receiver indicator 936, a fluid absorber970, a reaction agent 987 and an adherer 988, which functionsubstantially as previously described herein, with the exception ofcertain modifications provided below. Further, the disposal assembly 910can also include a timer activator 938, a solid receiver body retainer981 and one or more solid waste receiver sensors 982A, 982B.

In one embodiment, the solid receiver body 921 is positioned within andis movable relative to the solid receiver body retainer 981 in adirection illustrated by arrow 983. Movement of the solid receiver body921 relative to the solid receiver body retainer 981 only needs to beslight, and is dependent upon the weight of the contents of the solidreceiver body 921, including any solid waste which may be present withinthe solid receiver body 921. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, asolid waste receiver sensor 982A is positioned between the solidreceiver body 921 and the solid receiver body retainer 981. In oneembodiment, the solid waste receiver sensor 982A is a weight sensor,such as a load cell, for example. In this embodiment, as the weight ofthe solid receiver body 921 and its contents increases, a greater forceis exerted on the weight sensor 982A.

In one embodiment, the weight sensor 982A can convert a predeterminedforce into an electrical signal, which causes the solid waste receiverindicator 936 to activate. Activation of the solid waste receiverindicator 936 can alert a user that the solid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the solid receiver body 921,and the user has a certain predetermined time period to place the solidreceiver cap 920 on the solid receiver body 921, which prepares thedisposal assembly 910 for disposal. In various embodiments, thepredetermined force required to activate the solid waste receiverindicator 936 and/or the predetermined percentage of the capacity of thesolid receiver body 921 can be determined based upon variousrequirements of the specific regulations governing disposal of waste.Alternatively, the predetermined force required to activate the solidwaste receiver indicator 936 and/or the predetermined percentage of thecapacity of the solid receiver body 921 can be determined by the user,and can be programmed into the controller 931.

In another embodiment, the solid waste receiver indicator 936 can beactivated by the solid waste receiver sensor 982B. In this embodiment,as the level of solid waste rises in the solid receiver body 921, thesolid waste generates a force against the solid waste receiver sensor982B. Once a predetermined force has been achieved, the solid wastereceiver sensor 982B transmits an electrical signal to the controller931. The controller 931 then activates the solid waste receiverindicator 936 to alert a user that the solid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the solid receiver body 921.At this point, in one embodiment, the user has a certain predeterminedtime period to place the solid receiver cap 920 on the solid receiverbody 921, which prepares the disposal assembly 910 for permanentdisposal.

In this embodiment, the specific type of solid waste receiver sensor982B can vary. In one embodiment, the solid waste receiver sensor 982Bcan be a load cell. Alternatively, the solid waste receiver sensor 982Bcan include one or more piezoelectric elements. Still alternatively,other types of sensors can be used that can transmit an electricalsignal based on mechanical movement of the solid waste receiver sensor982B caused by pressure or force exerted by the rising level of solidwaste in the solid receiver body 921.

In certain embodiments, the timer activator 938 can manually beactivated by the user once usage of the disposal assembly 910 hascommenced. In one embodiment, the timer activator 938 notifies thecontroller 931 to start a clock or other timekeeping device. Once apredetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller 931 canactivate the solid waste receiver indicator 936, which alerts the userthat a specific time period has passed, and that the useful life of thedisposal assembly 910 has either expired, or that expiration is imminentor within a predetermined time period of expiration. For example, ifexpiration of the disposal assembly 910 occurs at 90 days fromactivation of the timer activator, the controller 931 may activate thesolid waste receiver indicator 936 at 75 days to provide a 15-day leadtime for the user to terminate usage of the disposal assembly 910. It isunderstood that the foregoing example is provided for ease ofunderstanding only, and is not intended to limit in any manner the timeperiods for which the invention may be used.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a disposalassembly 1010, including a receiver retainer 1016. Although notnecessarily illustrated in FIG. 10, the disposal assembly 1010 caninclude some or all of the same features illustrated and describedpreviously herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, thereceiver retainer 1016 includes an input device 1093, such as a keypador a touch-screen as non-exclusive examples. The input device 1093 isutilized by a user to input certain relevant information, such as drugclassification (as one non-exclusive example), that can be communicatedto the controller 31 (illustrated in FIG. 1C, for example) for furtherprocessing. Additionally, or alternatively, the input device 1093 can beused to identify and/or authenticate a user for access to the disposalassembly 1010. In one embodiment, the user can type a passcode or otherauthentication information into the input device 1093. Alternatively,other types of authentication methods can be included, such as a badgescanner or barcode reader, as non-exclusive alternative examples. Thedesign of the input device 1093 can be varied to suit the designrequirements of the disposal assembly 1010. In one embodiment, the inputdevice 1093 can receive, store and/or transmit, information regardingthe type of waste that is being deposited into the disposal assembly1010.

Additionally, or in the alternative, the disposal assembly 1010 caninclude an output device 1069 that can display certain relevantinformation to the user. By way of example and not by way of limitation,the output device 1069 can display information such as current filllevel(s) of the waste receivers, expiration dates of the wastereceivers, time remaining prior to expiration, the types of waste thathave previously been deposited into the waste receivers, user inputinformation, drug classifications, remaining battery life, alertinformation, and any other relevant information that could possibly beutilized by a user of the disposal assembly 1010.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the disposal assembly 1010also includes a monitoring device 1071. In this embodiment, themonitoring device 1071 can include a video and/or audio recorder, suchas a video camera or a sound recorder, as non-exclusive examples. Themonitoring device 1071 can be utilized to monitor and/or record videoand/or audio of the usage of the disposal assembly 1010 by the user(s).A real-time and/or previously recorded video and/or audio feed can bestored in the disposal assembly 1010, such as in a memory of thecontroller (not illustrated in FIG. 10), for example, or in some otherlocation within the disposal assembly 1010. Alternatively, the videoand/or audio feed can be transmitted to another location not within thedisposal assembly, such as a separate monitor or screen (not shown), avideo recording device (not shown), or any other suitable location forstorage and/or viewing of the recorded video data.

FIG. 11A is a simplified top view of the disposal assembly 1010,including the receiver retainer 1016 illustrated in FIG. 10, with theinput device 1093 omitted. In this embodiment, the receiver retainer1016 is shown in the closed position. In one embodiment, the receiverretainer 1016 includes a retainer lid 1028 having one or more lidapertures (a fluid lid aperture 1042A and a solid lid aperture 1042B areillustrated in FIG. 11A). The lid apertures 1042A, 1042B functionsubstantially in the same manner as those previously described herein,allowing fluid waste and/or solid waste to be deposited into one of thewaste receivers (not shown in FIG. 11A) from outside of the receiverretainer 1016. In this embodiment, the lid apertures 1042A, 1042B arepositioned in, and extend through, the retainer lid 1028.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A, the fluid lid aperture 1042Aincludes a fluid waste guide 1044A, and the solid lid aperture 1042Bincludes a solid waste guide 1044B. Each waste guide 1044A, 1044Bassists in directing the specific phase of waste (solid, liquid or gas)to the appropriate waste receiver. In this embodiment, the fluid wasteguide 1044A includes a funnel-type device. Further, the solid wasteguide 1044B includes a funnel-type device in combination with one ormore diverters 1094 that guide or otherwise direct the waste to theappropriate waste receiver, in a manner substantially similar oridentical to that previously described herein. It is understood thateither of the lid apertures 1042A, 1042B can include any type of wasteguide 1044A, 1044B, and that the specific combinations of lid apertures1042A, 1042B and waste guides 1044A, 1044B illustrated in FIG. 11A areprovided for ease of understanding only, and are not intended to belimiting in any manner.

FIG. 11B is a simplified top view of a portion of the disposal assembly1010 illustrated in FIG. 10, illustrated in the open position, with theretainer lid 1028 and the input device 1093 removed for clarity. In thisembodiment, the disposal assembly 1010 includes the fluid waste receiver1012 and the solid waste receiver 1014. The fluid waste receiver 1012includes a fluid receiver guide 1062 that guides the fluid waste intothe fluid receiver body 1019. The fluid receiver guide 1062 can includea standard funnel-type device (as illustrated in FIG. 11B) a spiralfunnel, or a series of diverters.

In this embodiment, the solid waste receiver 1014 includes a solidreceiver guide 1067 that guides the solid waste into the solid receiverbody 1021. The solid receiver guide 1067 can include a standardfunnel-type device, a spiral funnel, or a series of diverters (asillustrated in FIG. 11B).

When the disposal assembly 1010 illustrated in FIG. 11B is combined withthe retainer lid 1028 illustrated in FIG. 11A, both a correspondingwaste guide 1044A, 1044B and a corresponding receiver guide 1062, 1067serve to guide the specific phase of waste into the appropriate receiverbody 1019, 1021. With this design, the likelihood of improper removal ofwaste from the receiver bodies 1019, 1021 is decreased.

FIG. 12 is a simplified top view of another embodiment of the disposalassembly 1210 including the receiver retainer 1216, illustrated in theclosed position. In this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1216 includesa retainer lid 1228 that is substantially similar to the retainer lid1028 illustrated and described relative to FIG. 11A, with certain notedexceptions. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, in addition to afluid lid aperture 1242A, the receiver retainer 1216 also includes afirst solid lid aperture 1242B and a second solid lid aperture 1242C.The first solid lid aperture 1242B is substantially similar to the solidlid aperture 1042B illustrated and described relative to FIG. 11A.

The second solid lid aperture 1242C is designed to receive solid wastein the form of pharmaceutical and/or medical patches and the like. Thesize and configuration of the second solid lid aperture 1242C can vary.In one embodiment, the second solid lid aperture 1242C can have asomewhat rectangular, slot-like configuration. Alternatively, the secondsolid lid aperture 1242C can have another suitable configuration that isconsistent with accepting pharmaceutical and/or medical patches. Thesolid waste that is deposited into the second solid lid aperture 1242Ccan be received by the same solid waste receiver (not illustrated inFIG. 12) that receives solid waste via the first solid lid aperture1242B. Alternatively, the solid waste that is deposited into the secondsolid lid aperture 1242C can be received by a different solid wastereceiver than the solid waste receiver that receives solid waste via thefirst solid lid aperture 1242B.

FIG. 13 is a simplified top view of one embodiment of a portion of areceiver retainer 1316, illustrated in the open position, with theretainer lid omitted for clarity. In this embodiment, the receiverretainer 1316 includes a controller 1331 (illustrated in phantom), afluid waste receiver sensor 1382A and a solid waste receiver sensor1382B. In one embodiment, the waste receiver sensors 1382A, 1382B areweight sensors, such as a load cell, for example, and function in asubstantially similar or identical manner as those previously describedherein. In this embodiment, once the weight of the contents of one orboth of the receiver bodies (not shown in FIG. 13) increases to apredetermined level, the weight sensor 1382A, 1382B will send anelectrical signal to the controller 1331, which can then activate theappropriate waste receiver indicator 36, 38 (illustrated in FIG. 1A, forexample), as necessary.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of another embodiment of a receiver retainer1416. In this embodiment, the configuration of the retainer lid 1428 issuch that a fluid waste diverter 1458 (illustrated in phantom) is builtdirectly into the retainer lid 1428 so that a separate fluid wastediverter is unnecessary. The fluid waste diverter 1458 diverts and/ordirects fluid waste to the fluid lid aperture 1442A (illustrated inphantom) and the fluid waste guide 1444A (illustrated in phantom).

Additionally, in this embodiment, the retainer lid 1428 is movablysecured to the retainer housing 1422 by one or more hinges 1440. In thisembodiment, the one or more hinges 1440 are secured to a retainer front1496 so that in the event the disposal assembly 1410 is backed upagainst a wall or other surface, opening of the retainer lid 1428 willnot be impeded.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the receiver retainer 1416also includes a locking mechanism 1456 for locking the retainer lid 1428in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The locking mechanism1456 can include any suitable type of locking mechanism known to thoseskilled in the art, including but not limited to a combination lock or alock requiring one or more of a key, passcode, fingerprint reader, voicerecognition, or any other suitable type of lock.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of a receiverretainer 1516, illustrated in an open position. The receiver retainer1516 can include various features previously described herein, althoughnot specifically illustrated in FIG. 15. Additionally, the receiverretainer 1516 can include one or more viewing windows 1530, a controller1531, a charged battery indicator 1532, a low battery indicator 1534, afluid waste receiver indicator 1536, a solid waste receiver indicator1538, one or more hinges 1540, a fluid waste guide 1544A, a solid wasteguide 1544B, a locking mechanism 1556, a fluid waste diverter 1558, anelectrochemical cell structure 1568, and one or more waste receiversensors 1582A, 1582B, each of which function substantially as previouslydescribed herein, with the exception of certain modifications notedherein. Further, the receiver retainer 1516 can also include a timeractivator 1598, an identification reader 1500, and an AC power supplycord 1502.

In this embodiment, the hinges 1540 are secured to a housing side panel1522S and a lid side panel 1528S so that the retainer lid 1528 opens toone side, as illustrated in FIG. 15. With this design, the retainer lid1528 of the receiver retainer 1516 will not be impeded and can still beopened even when the receiver retainer 1516 is backed against a wall oris mounted to a wall, for example.

In one embodiment, at any time that the retainer lid 1528 is in the openposition, an audible and/or visual indicator or alert is activated. Withthis design, users can be notified in the event of unauthorized (orauthorized) access to the interior of the receiver retainer 1516 occurs.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the timer activator 1598operates substantially similarly to the timer activator 538 illustratedin FIG. 5, except the timer activator 1598 in FIG. 15 is automaticallyactivated when a waste receiver (not shown in FIG. 15) is initiallyplaced into the receiver retainer 1516. In one embodiment, the timeractivator 1598 is moved by the waste receiver in a direction asindicated by arrow 1599 when the waste receiver is placed into thereceiver retainer 1516. When the timer activator 1598 is activated, thetimer activator 1598 notifies the controller 1531 to start a clock orother timekeeping device. Once a predetermined period of time haselapsed, the controller 1531 can activate the fluid waste receiverindicator 1536, which alerts the user that a specific time period haspassed, and that the useful life of the disposal assembly 1510 haseither expired, or that expiration is imminent or within a predeterminedtime period of expiration.

The identification reader 1500 can detect and/or read an identificationtag 200 (illustrated in FIG. 2, for example) positioned on one or morewaste receivers (not shown in FIG. 15). Although only one identificationreader 1500 is illustrated in FIG. 15, it is understood that additionalidentification readers can be positioned in different locations on orwithin the receiver retainer 1510. For example, the identificationreader 1500 illustrated in FIG. 15 is positioned to read anidentification tag that is positioned on a fluid waste receiver.However, the identification reader 1500 can equally be positioned inanother location for reading an identification tag positioned on a solidwaste receiver, for example.

In one embodiment, the identification reader 1500 can read an RFID tag,an integrated circuit, a barcode label, or any other suitable type ofidentifying tag that is included in either or both the fluid wastereceiver and the solid waste receiver (not shown in FIG. 15). Theidentification reader 1500 can serve one or more purposes. In oneembodiment, the identification reader 1500 can transmit a signal to thecontroller 1531 to activate a clock or other timer once the fluid wastereceiver and/or solid waste receiver are properly positioned within thereceiver retainer 1516. As provided hereinabove, the timer can be usedto determine when the waste receiver is expired or will soon expire asof a predetermined number of hours, days, etc. from the time the clockis activated. Data from the identification reader 1500 can betransmitted to and/or stored within the controller 1531.

In another embodiment, the identification reader 1500 can alternatively,or in addition, store information from the identification tag on thewaste receiver so that a particular waste receiver cannot be used twice.For example, the identification reader 1500 can read unique informationfrom a specific identification tag, and store this information in thecontroller 1531 or in memory outside of the receiver retainer 1516. Oncethe waste receiver is removed from the receiver retainer 1516, if thesame waste receiver is ever placed back into the receiver retainer 1516,the identification reader 1500, in conjunction with the controller 1531,will recognize the waste receiver as being the same waste receiver thatwas previously utilized with the receiver retainer 1516. In oneembodiment, the appropriate receiver indicator 1536, 1538 will beactivated to alert a user of the reuse of the waste receiver.

In another embodiment, the identification reader 1500 can alternatively,or in addition, store information from the identification tag on thewaste receiver in a centralized database that can be accessed by othersto track location, shipment or delivery of the waste receiver to apermanent disposal site, to locations within a hospital or other healthcare facility, or another suitable locations.

The AC power supply cord 1502 can be used to transmit AC power to thedisposal assembly 1510 to charge the electrochemical cell structure1568, or to power the entire disposal assembly 1510 in embodiments thatdo not include a electrochemical cell structure 1568, or in the eventthe electrochemical cell structure 1568 is low or dead.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of a disposalassembly 1610. In this embodiment, the disposal assembly 1610 includesone or both of a fluid waste receiver 1612 and a solid waste receiver1614. Further, the disposal assembly 1610 includes a receiver retainer1616. In this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1616 has a platformconfiguration. The receiver retainer 1616 can include various featurespreviously described herein, although not specifically illustrated inFIG. 16. Additionally, the receiver retainer 1616 can include acontroller 1631 (illustrated in phantom), a charged battery indicator1632, a low battery indicator 1634, a fluid waste receiver indicator1636, a solid waste receiver indicator 1638, an electrochemical cellstructure 1668, and one or more waste receiver sensors 1682A, 1682B,each of which function substantially as previously described herein,with the exception of certain modifications noted herein. Further, thereceiver retainer 1616 can also include one or more receiver securers1606 (shown partially in phantom where inserted into waste receivers1612, 1614), a fluid digital readout 1609A and/or a solid digitalreadout 1609B.

The waste receivers 1612, 1614 are positioned on the receiver retainer1616, and are held in place by the receiver securers 1606. The receiversecurers 1606 can be movably positioned to secure the waste receivers1612, 1614 to the receiver retainer 1616. In one embodiment, thereceiver securers 1606 can be manually moved into place to secure thewaste receivers 1612, 1614 to the receiver retainer 1616. Alternatively,the receiver securers 1606 can automatically move into place to securethe waste receivers 1612, 1614 to the receiver retainer 1616. In onesuch embodiment, the receiver securers 1606 can electromechanically movetoward and/or away from the waste receivers 1612, 1614 in the directionof arrows 1608A, 1608B. In an alternative embodiment, the receiversecurers 1606 can move toward and/or away from the waste receivers 1612,1614 by another suitable means.

The digital readouts 1609A, 1609B can provide specific informationregarding the status of the waste receivers 1612, 1614. For example, incertain embodiments, the digital readouts 1609A, 1609B can indicate oneor more of the length of time the waste receivers 1612, 1614 have beenpositioned on the receiver retainer 1616, the weight of the wastereceivers 1612, 1614, the weight of the contents of the waste receivers1612, 1614, the expiration date for each of the waste receivers 1612,1614 based on when they were positioned on the receiver retainer 1616,or any other useful information depending upon the design requirementsof the disposal assembly 1610.

FIG. 17A is a front view of one embodiment of the disposal assembly 1710including a mounting apparatus 1701, and a simplified representation ofthe receiver retainer 1716 (illustrated in phantom) engaged with themounting apparatus 1701. In this embodiment, the mounting apparatus 1701can be secured to a vertical or non-vertical surface with one or morefasteners 1703, such as screws, nails, etc. The specific configurationof the mounting apparatus 1701 can vary. In one embodiment, the mountingapparatus 1701 can have a somewhat triangular configuration. However, inalternative embodiments, the mounting apparatus 1701 can have a square,curved, circular, elliptical, polygonal or another suitableconfiguration.

In this embodiment, the mounting apparatus 1701 includes one or moresupport rails 1705 (two support rails are illustrated in FIG. 17A) thatsupport the receiver retainer 1716. The support rails 1705 slidinglyinterlock with corresponding complementary rail receivers 1707 on thereceiver retainer 1716. As provided in greater detail herein, thereceiver retainer 1716 can slide onto the support rails 1705, and thenbe lockingly secured to the mounting apparatus 1701 for stability andsecurity.

FIG. 17B is a top view of the disposal assembly 1710 including themounting apparatus 1701 illustrated in FIG. 17A, and the receiverretainer 1716 illustrated in phantom for differentiation. In thisembodiment, the mounting apparatus 1701 includes a locking tab 1709 thatextends into the receiver retainer 1716 as provided in greater detailherein.

FIG. 17C is a side elevation of disposal assembly 1710 including themounting apparatus 1701 illustrated in FIG. 17A, and the receiverretainer 1716 (illustrated in phantom) engaged with the mountingapparatus 1701. In this embodiment, it is evident that the mountingapparatus 1701 can be secured with fasteners 1703 to one or both of twosurfaces that are substantially perpendicular to one another. Further,in this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1716 includes a locking pinassembly 1711 that is positioned in a retainer interior 1713 of thereceiver retainer 1716. The locking pin assembly 1711 lockingly engagesthe locking tab 1709 of the mounting apparatus 1701 to secure thereceiver retainer 1716 to the mounting apparatus 1701. In certainembodiments of the receiver retainer 1716 that include a lockingmechanism (as previously described herein), the locking pin assembly1711 cannot be unlocked from the locking tab 1709 unless the receiverretainer 1716 can be opened to access the locking pin assembly 1711.With this design, unauthorized persons will be inhibited fromdisengaging the receiver retainer 1716 from the mounting apparatus 1701.

FIG. 17D is a detailed side view of a portion of the mounting apparatus1701 including the locking tab 1709, and a portion of the receiverretainer 1716, including the locking pin assembly 1711, illustrated inan engaged position. In this embodiment, the locking pin assembly 1711is spring loaded so that a locking pin 1715 is biased to extend througha tab aperture 1717 in the locking tab 1709. The locking pin 1715 canhave an angled tip 1747 to allow the locking pin 1715 to enter the tabaperture 1717 without the need to manually lift the locking pin 1715 inan upwardly direction (indicated by arrow 1749). However, to remove thelocking pin 1715 from the tab aperture 1717, it is necessary to manuallylift the locking pin 1715 in the upwardly direction 1749, which in oneembodiment, can only be accomplished from the retainer interior 1713(illustrated in FIG. 17C).

It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 10 have been illustrated anddescribed herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can becombined with one or more features of one or more of the otherembodiment, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of thepresent invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of a pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly 10 have been discussed above, those of skill inthe art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additionsand sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims and claims hereafter introduced areinterpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additionsand sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

1. A pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly for disposing of one or moreof fluid pharmaceutical waste and solid pharmaceutical waste, thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly comprising: a first wastereceiver including a first receiver body having a first body access, thepharmaceutical waste moving in a first direction that is directly towardthe first body access through which the pharmaceutical waste is receivedby the first receiver body; and a receiver retainer that substantiallyencloses the first waste receiver, the first waste receiver beingremovable from the receiver retainer; wherein one of the first wastereceiver and the receiver retainer includes a first waste guide thatguides the pharmaceutical waste in a second direction away from thefirst body access and in the first direction toward the first bodyaccess.
 2. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 1 whereinthe first waste guide includes a spiral funnel that guides thepharmaceutical waste in the second direction away from the first bodyaccess prior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the first directiontoward the first body access.
 3. The pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly of claim 1 wherein the first waste guide includes a series ofdiverters that guides the pharmaceutical waste in the second directionaway from the first body access prior to guiding the pharmaceuticalwaste in the first direction toward the first body access.
 4. Thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the firstwaste guide guides the pharmaceutical waste in a third direction awayfrom the first body access prior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste inthe first direction toward the first body access, the third directionbeing different than the second direction.
 5. The pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly of claim 4 wherein the first waste guide guides thepharmaceutical waste in a fourth direction away from the first bodyaccess prior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the first directiontoward the first body access, the fourth direction being different thanthe second direction and the third direction.
 6. The pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the first waste receiver is asolid waste receiver including a solid receiver body that receives thesolid pharmaceutical waste.
 7. The pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly of claim 1 wherein the first waste receiver is a fluid wastereceiver including a fluid receiver body that receives the fluidpharmaceutical waste.
 8. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a second waste guide that guides thepharmaceutical waste in a third direction away from the first bodyaccess and a fourth direction toward the first body access, the firstwaste receiver including the first waste guide and the receiver retainerincluding the second waste guide.
 9. The pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly of claim 1 further comprising a second waste receiver includinga second receiver body having a second body access, the pharmaceuticalwaste moving in a third direction toward the second body access throughwhich the pharmaceutical waste is directly received by the secondreceiver body, the receiver retainer substantially enclosing the secondwaste receiver, wherein one of the second waste receiver and thereceiver retainer includes a second waste guide that guides thepharmaceutical waste in a fourth direction away from the second bodyaccess and in the third direction toward the second body access.
 10. Thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 9 wherein the firstwaste receiver is a solid waste receiver including a solid receiver bodythat receives the solid pharmaceutical waste, and wherein the secondwaste receiver is a fluid waste receiver including a fluid receiver bodythat receives the fluid pharmaceutical waste.
 11. The pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly of claim 9 wherein the second waste receiver isremovable from the receiver retainer.
 12. The pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the first waste guide includes aguide flap near the first body access, the guide flap moving between anopen position and a closed position such that when the first wastereceiver is moved to an inverted position, the guide flap moves to theclosed position so that the pharmaceutical waste is inhibited fromexiting the first receiver body.
 13. The pharmaceutical waste assemblyof claim 1 wherein the first waste guide inhibits removal of thepharmaceutical waste from the first receiver body.
 14. A method fordisposing of one or more of fluid pharmaceutical waste and solidpharmaceutical waste, the method comprising the steps of: receiving thepharmaceutical waste with a first receiver body of a first wastereceiver directly through a first body access; substantially enclosingthe first waste receiver within a receiver retainer; guiding thepharmaceutical waste in a first direction away from the first bodyaccess with a first waste guide; and guiding the pharmaceutical waste ina second direction toward the first body access with the first wasteguide.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of guiding thepharmaceutical waste in the first direction includes one of the firstwaste receiver and the receiver retainer including the first wasteguide.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of directly receivingincludes the step of directly receiving the solid pharmaceutical wastewith a solid receiver body of a solid waste receiver.
 17. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the step of directly receiving includes the step ofdirectly receiving the fluid pharmaceutical waste with a fluid receiverbody of a fluid waste receiver.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein thestep of guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the first direction includesthe step of guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the first direction awayfrom the first body access with the first waste guide prior to guidingthe pharmaceutical waste in the second direction toward the first bodyaccess with the first waste guide.
 19. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising the step of guiding the pharmaceutical waste in a thirddirection away from the first body access with the first waste guideprior to guiding the pharmaceutical waste in the second direction towardthe first body access with the first waste guide.
 20. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising the steps of guiding the pharmaceuticalwaste in a third direction away from the first body access with a secondwaste guide, and guiding the pharmaceutical waste in a fourth directiontoward the first body access with the second waste guide.
 21. The methodof claim 14 further comprising the steps of directly receiving thepharmaceutical waste with a second receiver body of a second wastereceiver through a second body access; substantially enclosing thesecond waste receiver within the receiver retainer; guiding thepharmaceutical waste in a third direction away from the second bodyaccess with a second waste guide; and guiding the pharmaceutical wastein a fourth direction toward the second body access with the secondwaste guide.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of directlyreceiving the pharmaceutical waste with the first receiver body includesthe step of directly receiving the solid pharmaceutical waste with asolid receiver body, and wherein the step of directly receiving thepharmaceutical waste with the second receiver body includes the step ofdirectly receiving the fluid pharmaceutical waste with a fluid receiverbody.
 23. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps ofpositioning a guide flap near the first body access, and inhibiting thepharmaceutical waste from exiting the first receiver body with the guideflap when the first receiver body is moved to an inverted position. 24.The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of inhibiting removalof the pharmaceutical waste from the first receiver body with the firstwaste guide
 25. A pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly for disposingof fluid pharmaceutical waste and solid pharmaceutical waste, thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly comprising: a solid wastereceiver including a solid receiver body having a solid body access, thesolid pharmaceutical waste moving in a first direction toward the solidbody access through which the solid pharmaceutical waste is received bythe solid receiver body; a fluid waste receiver including a fluidreceiver body having a fluid body access, the fluid pharmaceutical wastemoving in a second direction toward the fluid body access through whichthe fluid pharmaceutical waste is directly received by the fluidreceiver body; and a receiver retainer that substantially encloses thesolid waste receiver and the fluid waste receiver, the solid wastereceiver and the fluid waste receiver being removable from the receiverretainer; wherein one of the solid waste receiver and the receiverretainer includes a solid waste guide that guides the solidpharmaceutical waste in a third direction away from the solid bodyaccess and in the first direction toward the solid body access; andwherein one of the fluid waste receiver and the receiver retainerincludes a fluid waste guide that guides the fluid pharmaceutical wastein a fourth direction away from the fluid body access and in the seconddirection toward the fluid body access.